Download Antex electronic DMX-4 Music Mixer User Manual

DMX-4
USB Mixer
User
Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Antex Electronics Corporation
19821 Hamilton Avenue
Torrance, California 90502
www.antex.com
• Attachments – Do not use attachments not
recommended by the manufacturer as they may cause
hazards.
• Water and Moisture – Do not use this product near
water – for example near a bathtub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink, out in the rain or in a room where
moisture is likely to occur.
Copyright © 2008 Antex Electronics Corporation. All
Rights Reserved. No portion of this manual may be
reproduced without prior written consent from Antex
Electronics. Part number 9000-2489-7006 Rev B.
FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliance with
FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this
equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or
unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to
radio and TV reception. Changes or modifications made
to this equipment not expressly approved by Antex
Electronics could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read Instructions – Read all Safety Instructions before
operating equipment.
• Retain Instructions – Save these instructions for
future reference.
• Heed Warnings – All warnings and these instructions
should be adhered to.
• Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions
should be followed.
• Cleaning –Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.
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• Accessories – Do not place on an unstable surface
(cart table or tripod) where tipping is a possibility.
• Ventilation – Install unit in well ventilated area where
self generated heat may escape. Bookcases or
cabinets should have proper venting to allow heat to
escape.
• Power outlet – A properly grounded wall outlet must
be used. Do not use a plug adapter that bypasses the
three-terminal ground plug. Unplug the unit during a
lightning storm or when not being used for prolonged
periods.
• Cord Protection – Route your power cords and other
connecting cables out of traffics way so as not to be
walked on or traveled over by carts wheels, or a
tripping hazard may occur. Do not place items on top
of or against the cord so as to pinch the cord.
• Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension
cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
• Object and Liquid Entry – Never push objects of any
kind into this product through openings as they may
short-out parts that could cause a fire. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
• Servicing – Do not attempt to service this product
yourself; there are no customer serviceable parts
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
• A product and cart combination should be moved with
care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the product and cart combination
to overturn.
• Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product from
the wall outlet and refer servicing to a qualified
service person under the following conditions:
• Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in proper operating condition.
• Heat – The product shall be situated away from
sources such as radiators, heat resistors, heat
registers, stoves, or amplifier that produce heat.
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen
into the product.
c. If product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified technician
to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way.
f.
When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
• Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are
required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
that have the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
shock, or other hazards.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
General description:
The DMX-4 is a 4 channel microphone preamplifier with
4 analog to digital converters (A/D). The DMX-4
connects to a PC via a USB 2.0 connection so that audio
can be recorded onto the PC’s hard drive. There are 2
configurable monitor outputs, which can be
independently set to be a mix of any combination of the
4 input channels. The monitor outputs can be used to
connect to a PA system or for video/teleconferencing.
All level adjustments are solid state; there are no
mechanical knobs on the unit. Level adjustments are
made by moving virtual slider controls in the Antex
Mixer Program running on the PC. This allows for
settings to be stored and retrieved as a “scene”. Also, if
the PC connected to the DMX-4 is connected to a LAN,
adjustments can be made from a remote computer
somewhere on the LAN.
The microphone inputs are professional balanced XLR
connectors. The differential input impedance is 2K.
Phantom power of +14 volts can be turned on under
control of the Antex Mixer Program. Phantom power is
connected through a 1K resistor on each line. In
“microphone” setting, all 4 inputs have a gain range of
+10dB to +85dB. Note that 65dB of gain is done in the
analog circuitry, and the additional 20dB is done in the
digital domain. As you increase the gain on any input,
the level of this audio will get louder in the monitor
output and in the recording level. However, once you
exceed 65dB, the recording level will continue to
increase, but the audio in the monitor output will not
increase any further. Input channels 1 and 2 have a
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fixed gain of 0dB in “line” setting. Inputs 3 and 4 have
an adjustable gain of –8 to +31.5dB in “line” setting.
(Although the circuitry is capable of a lower gain setting
than –8dB, the setting is limited in the Antex Mixer
Program to –8dB so that it is not possible for the analog
circuitry to go into clipping before the A/D.)
The monitor outputs are single ended RCA jacks,
capable of a 2VRMS signal (+6dBV). The level
adjustment range is from –102dB to +25.5dB. The
output has a 560 ohm internal series resistance to
protect it from short circuits to ground. The equipment
that the monitor output is connected to should have an
input impedance of 2K or greater.
The A/D converter sample rate can be set to 8, 11.025,
12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, or 48KHz. This allows for
optimization between file size and audio fidelity. All 4
inputs are digitized separately, and 4 tracks may be
recorded to hard disk. The inputs may be mixed in any
combination to the 4 record channels using the Antex
Mixer Program. On your PC, the 4 record channels are
accessed as 2 stereo Wave Devices. Record channels 1
and 2 are left and right of Wave Device 1, respectively,
and record channels 3 and 4 are left and right of Wave
Device 2.
Power input to the DMX-4 can be from +5 to +15 VDC.
Power consumption is about 5 watts. The unit is
supplied with a 9V international wall adapter, but can
also be powered by battery packs or from an automobile
accessory plug (“cigarette lighter”). The power indicator
LED changes gradually from green at 12 volts to red at 5
volts so the user can note a color shift on battery power
when the battery gets low.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
What’s a ”dB” and why should I care?
check first if you have this on your computer
already, click the “Start” button on the lower left
of your computer screen. Click “Control Panel”,
then “Add or Remove Programs”. When the
program list is populated, scroll down and see if
there is “Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0”. If not,
open Internet Explorer and go to :
Throughout this manual, the term “dB” is used. This
stands for decibel. You may think, “but I just want to
record a legal proceeding. I don’t want to be a
recording engineer. Why should I care about this?”
Although dB’s may seem complicated mathematically:
dB = 20 x log(signal level/reference signal level)
Using dB’s gives you a better feel for how changing the
volume will sound to your ears. For example, if you
increase the output of your stereo amplifier from 1/10 of
a watt to 1 watt, this seems like a small change, only
9/10 of a watt. If you increase the output from 4 watts
to 40 watts, this seems like a real big change. However,
in both cases you are increasing the output by 10dB,
and surprisingly, in both cases it will sound to you like
the music only got twice as loud.
Negative dB’s means quieter. –10dB sounds half as
loud.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.asp
x?displaylang=en&FamilyID=0856eacb-43624b0d-8edd-aab15c5e04f5
(Or, you can go to http://microsoft.com and type
“.NET Framework 2.0” in the Search box.)
•
•
•
Positive dB’s means louder. +10dB sounds twice as
loud.
•
Follow the instructions to download and install
.NET Framework 2.0.
Go to www.antex.com and download the latest
software driver for the DMX-4. The installation
process is fairly straightforward, using the
InstallShield.
Run the “Setup.exe” program.
The first dialog box will say “Preparing to
Install…”
On the second dialog box, click “Next”.
0dB means no change in the loudness when referring to
a slider setting. For VU meters, 0dB is the maximum
level. Severe distortion occurs above 0dB.
Installing the Software - XP
•
The Antex Mixer Program requires Microsoft .NET
Framework 2.0. If you do not have this installed
on your computer, the InstallShield will stop. To
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Enter the User Name and Organization, click “Next”.
Unless you need to change the destination folder, click
“Next”.
The next dialog box will say “Ready to Install the
Program”. Click “Install”.
After the program has been installed, the dialog box will
say “InstallShield Wizard Completed”. Click “Finish”.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Make sure either the USB cable is unplugged, or power
is removed from the DMX-4. Then click “OK”.
Make sure the USB cable is plugged in and the DMX-4 is
powered up. Click “OK”.
Click the “No, not this time” option (this is NOT the
default), then click “Next”.
If you see a dialog box like the one above, click
“Continue Anyway”.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
The “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”
should be selected. Click “Next”.
The New Hardware Wizard will open again, this time to
load the audio driver. Select the “No, not this time”
option (this is NOT the default), then click “Next”.
After the driver is loaded, click “Finish”.
The “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”
option should be selected. Then click “Next”.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Installing the Software - Vista
•
•
•
•
Go to www.antex.com and download the latest
software driver for the DMX-4. The installation
process is fairly straightforward, using the
Installshield.
Run the “Setup.exe” program.
The first dialog box will say “Preparing to
Install…”
On the second dialog box, click “Next”.
After the driver has loaded, click “Finish”.
If you get a message asking if you want to restart your
computer, click “Yes”.
After the computer restarts, the installation is complete.
There should be a shortcut on your desktop for the
Antex Mixer program.
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Enter the User Name and Organization, click “Next”.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Make sure either the USB cable is unplugged, or power
is removed from the DMX-4. Then click “OK”.
Click “Change” to change the destination folder,
otherwise, click “Next”.
The next dialog box will say “Ready to Install the
Program”. Click “Install”.
After the program is installed, a dialog box will appear
that says “InstallShield Wizard Completed”. Click
“Finish”.
Click “Install this driver software anyway”.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
The installation is now complete. Click “Close”.
The same dialog box will appear when the second driver
is loaded. Click “Install this driver software anyway”.
Connections
Power Adapter
•
•
•
Make sure the USB cable is plugged in and the power is
switched on. Click “OK”.
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Select the proper AC plug for your country and
snap it on to the wall adapter. The adapter
adjusts automatically to your AC voltage,
provided it is in the range of 100 to 240 VAC. Do
NOT use above 240 VAC.
The DMX-4 can also be powered from any DC
source from +5 to +15VDC. This includes
battery packs or the “cigarette lighter” of an
automobile. The battery pack or the cigarette
lighter plug adapter needs to have a standard
2.1mm power plug.
The power LED on the DMX-4 changes color from
green at +15VDC to red at +5VDC. When using
a battery pack, the subtle color shift will tell you
when the battery is running down.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
USB Connection
•
•
•
•
The USB specification limits the length of the USB
cable to 5 meters (about 16 feet), therefore the
DMX-4 should be placed near the computer. The
cable supplied is 6 feet long.
The USB port on the computer must be USB 2.0
or higher (“high speed”). The device will not
work on USB 1.1.
Plug directly into one of the computer’s USB
ports. Do not go through a hub.
Note that the USB cable plugs into the DMX-4
with the beveled side (and the molded USB logo)
facing down.
•
connected to the DMX-4. Note that inputs 1 and
2 do not have gain adjustments in Line setting,
the gain is fixed at 0dB. If the line level device
has an output level control, this can be used to
adjust the recording level. If the device does not
have an output level control, then it would be
better to connect it to inputs 3 or 4, which do
have gain adjustment in Line setting.
To connect unbalanced (single ended) devices,
use an appropriate cable, such as XLR male to
RCA male. These cables connect pins 1 and 3 of
the XLR together, which grounds one of the 2
balanced inputs. We recommend keeping
unbalanced connections to about 6 feet
maximum.
Input Connections
•
•
•
Monitor Connections
Dynamic or electret condenser microphones can
be used with the DMX-4. Dynamic microphones
generally have lower output levels and require
the input gain sliders to be set higher. Electret
condenser microphones require phantom power,
which can be turned on in the Antex Mixer
Program. Electret condenser microphones
generally require a minimum of 9 to 12 volts for
phantom power. Condenser microphones that
require 48 volts will not work with the DMX-4.
The DMX-4 inputs are balanced, which provides
better noise and hum rejection. However, we
recommend not running the microphone cables
near computers, monitors, transformers or other
equipment which may cause humming or buzzing
in the audio. Balanced connections may be run
long distances.
Line level devices, such as video conferencing
systems or telephone line interfaces may be
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•
•
•
•
The monitor outputs are unbalanced (single
ended) line level (2VRMS max). They are
intended to connect to telephone line interfaces,
video conferencing systems, or PA amplifiers.
The loudness level of the monitor output can be
adjusted with the slider control in the Antex
Mixer Program.
Use caution when connecting this or any other
device to the public telephone network. Do not
put too loud a signal level into the phone line.
This could damage telephone equipment and/or
be painfully loud to the person on the other end
of the phone line.
Any combination of the 4 inputs may be
independently routed to the monitor outputs
using the Antex Mixer Program. When
connecting someone by phone, the caller would
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
typically receive a mix of all inputs except him or
herself.
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Using the Antex Mixer Program
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Adjusting the Recording Level
Monitor Mix Matrix
Having the proper recording level is essential to making
good, intelligible recordings. If the level is too low, the
recording will contain a lot of hiss when it is played back
loud enough to hear. If the level is set too high, loud
sounds or speech will “clip” and the sound will be
distorted. Clipping occurs when the level of the signal
being digitized exceeds the maximum level of the analog
to digital converter. In cases of severe overload, the
recording of the second channel in a stereo pair may be
affected. Channels 1 and 2, and channels 3 and 4 are
paired.
Any input may be routed to either or both of the monitor
outputs. This is done by clicking on the monitor number
buttons associated with each input, using the Antex
Mixer Program. Each input has a button for monitor 1
and monitor 2. Click on the button with the mouse to
toggle it on or off; blue means on, gray means off.
The VU meters in the Antex Mixer Program are used to
adjust the recording level. Note that the meters are
only active when a recording program is
monitoring or recording. As a rule of thumb, speak
at a normal level into the microphone. Adjust the Input
Slider on the Antex Mixer Program until the VU meter
peaks are in the –15 to –20dB range. This should give
adequate “headroom” for loud sounds.
Phantom Power
Phantom power is required for condenser microphones.
It is not required for dynamic microphones and should
be turned off when using dynamic microphones,
although it will usually not harm them. Phantom power
must be turned off when using line level devices and can
cause damage. For this reason, the Antex Mixer
Program will automatically switch off Phantom Power
when “Line” is selected. Click on the “Phantom Power”
button with the mouse to toggle it on or off; blue means
on, gray means off.
Line and Microphone
Recording Mix Matrix
The recording mix matrix can be used to route any
combination of inputs to any of the 4 record channels.
This is done by clicking on the record channel number
buttons associated with each input, using the Antex
Mixer Program. Each input has 4 buttons for record
channels 1 through 4. Click on the button with the
mouse to toggle it on or off; blue means on, gray means
off.
25
The “Line” and “Microphone” buttons select the type of
input you are connecting to the DMX-4. The difference
is the signal level and the amount of gain required.
Microphones have a low signal level and require higher
gain. When “Microphone” is selected, the gain can be
adjusted from +10dB to +85dB with the slider control.
(See the section “Adjusting the Recording Level”.) The
slider control will affect the level of the audio in the
recording and in the monitor output, if the particular
input is routed to that monitor. Note however, that the
monitor output level will stop increasing once the slider
is up past +65dB. This is because the gain above 65dB
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
CHANNEL 4
LINE = 0dB
LINE = -8 -> 31.5dB
MIC = 10 -> 65dB MIC = 0dB
-
A/D
CHANNEL 3
LINE = 0dB
LINE = -8 -> 31.5dB
MIC = 10 -> 65dB
MIC = 0dB
+
J4
+
-
A/D
CHANNEL 1
A/D
J3
J1
Sample Rate
+
LINE = 0dB
MIC = 10 -> 65dB
You can also save and recall a particular Mixer
configuration as a Scene, using the “Save As” and
“Open” buttons.
LINE = 0dB
MIC = 10 -> 65dB
A/D
+
J2
All of the current settings in the Antex Mixer Program,
including slider positions, labels, and pushbutton
settings will be saved when you close the program.
When you run the program the next time, the same
settings will be reloaded.
-
Opening and Saving Scenes
Block Diagram
There are text boxes for each Input channel at the top
of the Antex Mixer Program. There are also text boxes
for the Monitor channels. When you click with the
mouse inside one of these boxes, you can type in a
name for that channel. This will help you to tell who is
talking into that particular microphone. (Antex cannot
claim credit for this great idea, it was suggested to us by
one of our customers.)
A/D CLIPPING LEVEL = +6dBV
Input and Monitor Labels
CHANNEL 2
USB
ENGINE
USB
is done digitally in your PC, and not in the DMX-4
circuitry. When “Line” is selected, the gain is fixed at
0dB for inputs 1 and 2. If you attempt to move the
slider with the mouse, it will snap back. Inputs 3 and 4
do have a gain adjustment from –8dB to +31.5dB in
“Line” setting.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
The sample rate is selected using your recording
program, not with the Antex Mixer Program.
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
RCA
DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Specifications:
MONITOR
Number
Connector
Type
Gain adjustment:
Channels 1 & 2,
(mic setting)
Channels 1 & 2,
(line setting)
Channels 3 & 4,
(mic setting)
Channels 3 & 4,
(line setting)
Clipping level
-102 -> 25.5dB
-102 -> 25.5dB
MONITOR
Inputs:
+
10 to 85dB, 1dB
steps
0 dB, fixed
10 to 85dB, 1dB
steps
-8 to 31.5dB
+6dBV – gain setting
(note 1)
2K
14VDC, 1K series
resistor each line
Note 1. For example, if the gain is set to 65dB, clipping
will begin with a –59dBV signal. If the gain is set to 0,
clipping will begin with a +6dBV signal.
CHANNEL
CHANNEL
CHANNEL
CHANNEL
1
2
3
4
-
+
-
Input impedance
Phantom power
4
XLR
Transformerless
balanced
Monitor Outputs:
Number
Connector
Type
Series impedance
Output level before clipping
29
2
RCA female
Unbalanced (single
ended)
560 ohms
2VRMS (+6dBV)
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
Gain adjustment
THD+N
Technical Assistance
-102 to +25.5dB
-84dB (note 2)
Note 2. A weighted. Test conditions: Test signal of –
30dBV amplitude input into microphone input. Input
gain slider set to +30dB, Monitor gain slider set to 0dB.
A/D converters:
Type
Sample Rates
THD+N (-30dBV input)
THD+N (-60dBV input)
Cirris Logic CS5361, 24
bit
8, 11.025, 12, 16,
22.05, 24, 32, 44.1,
and 48KHz
90dB (Note 3)
65dB (Note 3)
Note 3. A weighted. Microphone gain adjusted for –1dB below
full scale input to A/D.
Power:
Input range
Power consumption
Protection
+5VDC to +15VDC
5 watts
Reverse polarity and
overvoltage clamping
with self resetting
fuse
Physical:
Size
Weight
7 inches x 4.6 inches
x 1.8 inches
1 pound for unit, <
0.5 pounds for power
adapter
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Technical assistance with this product is available from Antex
via:
email: [email protected]
Web: www.antex.com
Phone: (310) 532-3092, ext 18 or 33, 7AM to 5PM PDT
12 Month Limited Warranty
Antex Electronics Corporation (the Company), warrants to the
original purchaser of this product that should this product or
any part thereof, under normal use and conditions, be proven
defective in material or workmanship within 12 months of the
original date of purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or
replaced with new or reconditioned product (at the Company’s
option) without charge for parts and labor.
To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this
Warranty, the product is to be delivered with proof of warranty
coverage (i.e. dated sales receipt), specification of the
defect(s), and transportation prepaid to the Company at the
address shown below.
This Warranty does not extend to the elimination of externally
generated static or noise, to correction of antenna problems,
to costs incurred for installation, removal or reinstallation of
the product, or damage to other components.
This Warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof
which, in the opinion of the Company, has suffered or been
damaged through alteration, improper installation,
mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, or by removal of any
factory applied markings. THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY’S
LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE, AND, IN NO
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DMX-4 USB Mixer User Manual
EVENT, SHALL THE COMPANY’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE
PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or
liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR
BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY
IMPLED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY MUST BE BROUGHT
WITHIN A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ORIGINAL
PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH
OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WHATSOEVER. No person or representative is authorized to
assume for the Company any liability other than expressed
herein in connection with the sale of this product.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damage so the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal
rights and may also have other rights, which vary from state
to state.
Antex Electronics Corporation
19821 Hamilton Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 532-3092
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